I ordered the Concero and own the NFB-27. By extrapolation I might give some (pseudo) inputs on the Concero vs NFB-1 when I receive it.

The NFB-1 should have a similar voicing to the NFB-27. Its technicalities should be on par with the Reference 5.32 (I used to own), which in turn, is very similar to the Metrum Quad (I still own and will be using the Concero with).

The NFB-27 is technically the better DAC, no doubt. It has better imaging (more focused), more extension to both ends, very tight bass, clean & clear treble (never harsh) and a lively sound.

Yet, I prefer the Quad to it. The Metrum has some magic in the sound that I cannot explain but music flows like crystal water when the NFB-27 always wants to show you something in the music.

The Quad is the only DAC with which I can relax when listening to music. With the other DACs, I sometimes feel hard pressed and it's not the best experience.

That's strange, the Reference 5.32 and NFB-27 both gave me this "non-relaxing experience". They are plugged with cheap AC chords on a cheap power strip. I'm no cable believer but I'm starting to questioning this because this is the only thing I can think of that might explain why the experience is not optimal.

Technically, the NFB-1 should be more in the league of the Quad. In this case, I would recommend the latter in a heart beat! Add a DI-V3 and you're good to go!

The NFB-27 is technically the better DAC, no doubt. It has better imaging (more focused), more extension to both ends, very tight bass, clean & clear treble (never harsh) and a lively sound.

Yet, I prefer the Quad to it. The Metrum has some magic in the sound that I cannot explain but music flows like crystal water when the NFB-27 always wants to show you something in the music.

The Quad is the only DAC with which I can relax when listening to music. With the other DACs, I sometimes feel hard pressed and it's not the best experience.

That's strange, the Reference 5.32 and NFB-27 both gave me this "non-relaxing experience". They are plugged with cheap AC chords on a cheap power strip. I'm no cable believer but I'm starting to questioning this because this is the only thing I can think of that might explain why the experience is not optimal.

Technically, the NFB-1 should be more in the league of the Quad. In this case, I would recommend the latter in a heart beat! Add a DI-V3 and you're good to go!

Hmm, its that metrum magic that makes me want to hear one of those dacs so bad, alot of people talk about it. Thanks for the info!

In layman terms, Clean power in audio is used to great effect to produce great sonics. In audio gd case, the different trafos are used to power different groups of digital and analog circuits in the dacs separately. Hence, better sonics.

How resolving your current system is to changes will largely depend on your own ears. Since you will be keeping your speakers, go on out and trial some dacs and streamers to see if you like them. Especially 1.32 or 7.32 are using sabre es9018. Do you like its characteristics ?

I wanted to coment something on the NFB 1.32. The usb conectors don't go in correctly, it fits in loosely and if the cable is moved you get a BSOD, anyone had this problem? Maybe Kingwa would like making them fit tighter.

I wanted to coment something on the NFB 1.32. The usb conectors don't go in correctly, it fits in loosely and if the cable is moved you get a BSOD, anyone had this problem? Maybe Kingwa would like making them fit tighter.

I have had three audio-gd's. They all use the same usb input connector. This connector is on the loose end in terms fitness. But it does not interrupt or prevent a fine connection. I also would like it tight fit to have a sense of security.

bsod in my limited experience is more likely relevant to a bad driver. For instance, of the three audio-gd's, I had bsod three times with te8022, but not one time with te7022 or usb32.